---
title: "Alejandro Garnacho faces Troy Deeney criticism over Aston Villa start"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/18/alejandro-garnacho-troy-deeney-aston-villa/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-09-18T09:45:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T10:49:56Z"
---

# Alejandro Garnacho faces Troy Deeney criticism over Aston Villa start

Alejandro Garnacho has come under criticism from Troy Deeney as the winger waits for his first competitive Aston Villa start.

In his [assessment on talkSPORT, Deeney questioned Garnacho’s priorities](https://talksport.com/football/4588518/alejandro-garnacho-warning-troy-deeney-aston-villa/), suggesting the Argentine needs to concentrate more on his football.

The former Watford striker argued that Garnacho must take responsibility for making his Villa opportunity work. His comments represent a pundit’s assessment, rather than an explanation from inside Emery’s squad.

> 🚨 Alejandro Garnacho’s difficult start at Aston Villa continues. 🪑\
> \
> Despite Unai Emery making 14 substitutions across Villa’s last three games, the 22-year-old has played ZERO minutes — and was left on the bench again during their 3-1 Carabao Cup win.\
> \
> ❌ 0 minutes in Villa’s… [pic.twitter.com/HJEsla6W71](https://t.co/HJEsla6W71)
>
> — Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) [September 17, 2026](https://x.com/Footballtweet/status/2100645207460941858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Alejandro Garnacho faces competition at Aston Villa

Garnacho remained an unused substitute during Wednesday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory at Coventry City.

Emery changed seven players from the team beaten by Nottingham Forest, but the winger still did not feature.

That has sharpened the debate around his place. However, [Emery’s explanation of Garnacho’s omission](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/17/unai-emery-alejandro-garnacho-aston-villa-coventry/) focused on competition and the time he needs to catch up.

“He is progressing, but we have players in front of him now,” Emery said in comments carried by [ESPN’s report from the post-match press conference](https://global.espn.com/football/story/_/id/49962957/alejandro-garnacho-aston-villa-unai-emery-coventry-city-carabao-cup).

The manager highlighted George Hemmings’ performances, Alysson’s understanding of his requirements and Ibrahim Mbaye’s contribution against Coventry.

## Emery’s selection remains the key test

For Villa, the relevant question is when Garnacho can move ahead of those alternatives.

Emery also referred to circumstances during pre-season when explaining why the winger remains behind. His comments offered encouragement about Garnacho’s progress alongside a clear assessment of the competition.

Deeney’s criticism adds to the public discussion, but it does not establish why Emery has preferred other players.

Saturday’s trip to Tottenham brings another opportunity for the manager to assess his attacking options. Garnacho will be hoping that his next place on the bench, should he be selected, leads to minutes on the pitch.